2016 Ford Focus 1.5L Diesel · TH64 MAS

The most recent MOT test on 12 December 2025 resulted in a pass, which is a positive outcome; however, the underlying trend warrants careful scrutiny. The vehicle has accumulated a cluster of tyre-related advisories across multiple tests, with nearside front and offside rear items flagged at the December 2025 examination and another nearside front advisory recorded just eleven days earlier on the failed test. The December 2025 fail itself was attributable to a malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system and an inoperative nearside front position lamp, both of which are straightforward electrical faults but suggest a degree of neglect in routine bulb and sensor maintenance. More concerning is the November 2022 test, which recorded a dangerous nearside front tyre with tread below 1.6mm and a major defect for a cut exposing the ply or cords, indicating that the previous keeper was running the tyres well beyond acceptable condition. The recurring undertray and engine cover advisories from 2022 and 2024 also mean that several components, including brake lines, suspension arms, and exhaust sections, have not been visually inspected by the tester, so a buyer must independently verify their condition. At approximately 93,529 miles over ten years, the vehicle is averaging around 9,350 miles annually, which is broadly typical of a privately owned family hatchback. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record to suggest long periods of standing, and the mileage progression between tests appears consistent and incremental. This level of use means the engine, clutch, and drivetrain should have been worked sufficiently to avoid some of the corrosion issues associated with low-mileage or stored vehicles, although it also places the Focus into a wear bracket where timing belts or chains, clutch assemblies, and turbocharger components (if fitted) may now be approaching or past their intended service intervals. A ten-year-old vehicle at this mileage will inevitably have consumed several sets of tyres, brake pads, and possibly discs, and the recorded advisories corroborate that consumable wear has been ongoing. Given the persistent tyre advisories, a prospective buyer should begin by inspecting all four tyres not only for tread depth but more critically for age-related sidewall perishing and cracking, which is common on rubber older than five to six years regardless of remaining tread. The previous dangerous failure for a cut exposing the cords suggests the nearside front wheel area may be exposed to kerbing damage, so the wheel itself should be examined for scuffs and the suspension components for any resultant play. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, as the Focus is known for wear in the front anti-roll bar bushes, wishbone bushes, and lower arm rear bushes, any of which could produce such symptoms. Uneven or feathered tyre wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges, would point to worn suspension bushes, alignment issues, or perished coil springs, all of which merit physical inspection beneath the vehicle and a check of the spare wheel well for fluid staining. The malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system should be diagnosed before purchase, as it may simply require sensor replacement or recalibration after a wheel change, but persistent faults can indicate underlying valve stem corrosion or a faulty control module. The inoperative position lamp suggests a closer look at the front lighting wiring and earth points, which on a ten-year-old Focus can suffer from connector oxidation. Beyond the recorded defects, age-appropriate items demand attention including the 12V battery, which typically requires replacement every four to six years and can cause intermittent electrical faults if weak; brake discs, which should be examined for lipping and surface corrosion especially given the recurring nearside front brake pad advisory from 2022; and the timing belt or chain service interval, which on the 1.0 EcoBoost and 1.5 TDCi variants typically falls between 100,000 and 150,000 miles and may now be due. Coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid (if applicable) should also be replaced on a calendar basis rather than purely by mileage, and verifying full service history stamps will be essential to confirm these critical fluid changes have been carried out. Finally, request the undertray and engine covers be removed at the point of sale so a thorough pre-purchase inspection beneath the vehicle can be conducted.